JULY 24, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
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New life for Masters By Esther Lauaki
A pitch for stardom Contemporary country music singer and songwriter Tiah Ashley is set to wow audiences at the Gympie Music Muster next month. Ashley, from Point Cook, is one of 31 semi-finalists who will perform in the muster’s annual talent search in Queensland. The 25-year-old said she was “truly grateful and honoured” to be selected for the event, which will run from August 22 to 25. Ashley started singing at the age of seven and plays guitar and mandolin. “I have always loved country music – it is just good, honest music,” she said. “What I love most about performing and singing is the rush of excitement and good feelings that come with it. “It has always been a passion of mine … there is no better feeling for me than being on stage in front of an audience that is singing along, dancing and enjoying my music as much as I love singing it.” Ashley travelled to Nashville in 2013, where she recorded her first EP with Dolly Parton producer Kent Wells. “I have organised to go back over to Kent’s studio again later this year so he can help me polish up some more songs that I have been working on,” she said.
(Damjan Janevski)
A $341 million development is proposed for the former Masters site in Williams Landing which has stood empty for the past four years. Wyndham council has received a planning permit application for a development at the old Masters home improvement store at the corner of Old Geelong and Palmers roads. The proposed development would include offices and commercial space, residential space, a hotel, childcare centre, car parking and potential community service space across a number of buildings. However, residents cannot have a say on the application because the site is within a Priority Development Zone and a public notice period is not required as consultation occurred when the zoning was determined. Williams Landing Residents Association president Ian MacGowan welcomed the news of the redevelopment but said residents had some concerns. “We all moved here expecting that there would be development of the town centre and wanting more job opportunities in Williams Landing,” Mr MacGowan said. “But at the same time, we need to make sure that there is infrastructure to support the development in the area. “We are most interested in what the infrastructure will offer in terms of jobs. “The main question we have is what impact the development will have on our roads, traffic and congestion.” Mr MacGowan said parking surrounding the development was also a major concern. A Facebook post from Wyndham council stated: “We do understand … that there is strong community interest in this site.” “Council officers are currently assessing the planning application and a decision will be made to ensure the appropriate regulations are met.” Property records show Perth-based developer Cedar Woods sold the Williams Landing Masters site to Estia Health founder Peter Arvanitis for $36 million in 2015. It has since stood empty while the developer forged ahead with other developments in Williams Landing. Star Weekly contacted Mr Arvanitis for comment.
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Alesha Capone
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